Interfitting multipiece connectors



'July 8,1969 A. NC.ISANFORD 3,454,292

INTERFITTING' MULTIPIECE CONNECTORS 5 INVENTOR.

ARTHUR CAROL SAN FORD ATTORNEYS July 8,196'9 A. c. SANFORD INTERFITTING MUL'I'IPIFJCEI CONNECTORS INVENTOR. ARTHUR CAROL SANFORD.

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ATTORNEYS July 8, 1 969 A. SANFORD 3,454,292

INTERFITTING MULTIPIECE CONNECTORS Filed June 2, 1967 Sheet. 01 4 FIG. I2 63 54 as W Q 9 i 2.1 m

214 l EH 7o INVENTOR. ART UR CAROL SANFORD ATTORNEY5..Q V v My 8, 1969 I A. c. SANFORD 3,454,292

INTERFITTING MULTIPIECE CONNECTORS Filed June 2, 1967 Sheet 4 of 4 F I G. I 9

FIG. 20

INVENTOR.

/;& ARTHUR CAROL SANFORD I BY Mb rfi ATTORNEYS United States Patent 01 fice 3,454,292 Patented July 8, 1969 3,454,292 INTERFITTING MULTIPIECE CONNECTORS Arthur Carol Sanford, P.0. Box 1177, Pompano Beach, Fla. 33061 Filed June 2, 1967, Ser. No. 643,156 Int. Cl. F16b 7/20 US. Cl. 287-2032 15 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A connector for joining at least two members together which utilizes at least one anchor plate and at least one bayonet plate. A plurality of embedment teeth extend generally perpendicularly outwardly from the body of the anchor plate and are fixedly received in the first of the members to be joined by the connector. A plurality of spaced engaging apertures are also provided through the anchor plate, and, while those apertures are positioned adjacent the first member, the material of which the first member is comprised is recessed, indented, or otherwise removed from behind these apertures. A plurality of enbedment teeth also extend generally perpendicularly outwardly from the body of the bayonet plate and are fixedly received in the second of the members to be joined by the connector. A plurality of bayonet teeth extend perpendicularly outwardly from the body of the bayonet plate oppositely of the embedment teeth. The bayonet teeth are spaced in conformity with the spacing of apertures into which they are interfittingly received. Full seating of the bayonet teeth through their corresponding apertures locks the anchor and bayonet plates, and thus the first and second members, together.

Background of the invention Connectors which can be readily applied in-the-field have traditionally been of limited selection. For example, on-the-job joining of wooden members has historically been limited to the province of nails, screws, bolts or, in some situations, even glue.

In order both to distribute the load more uniformly across the joint and to alleviate the high labor cost incident to in-the-field assembly, metal connector plates were devised by which structural wooden components couldbe strongly, yet economically, prefabricated and shipped to the building locus. An example of such a connector plate can be found in my US. Patent No. 3,211,043.

As is shown in the aforesaid U.S. patent, such connector plates can be categorized as being either of the exterior or sandwich type. An exterior type connector plate has teeth extending outwardly from only one side of the plate and is, therefore, used to connect structural members that are joined in abutting relation. On the other hand sandwich type connector plates have teeth extending oppositely outwardly from both sides thereof and are thus adapted for connecting structural members that are joined in overlapping relation.

Nevertheless, after the prefabricated components were erected to their ultimate use position, they still require in situ connection with additional components by the timeweary methods available to the construction tradesmen, as enumerated above. Abortive attempts were made to join members in-the-field by the now traditional exterior or sandwich type connector plates. However, the sophisticated apparatus, such as shown in my US. Patent No. 3,255,943, that has been devised to mass produce prefabricated components in a factory are not readily adapted to custom assembly of components by connector plates at the building site.

Summary of the invention The present invention represents an entirely new concept to the connector art which is not only eminently suitable to the joinder of wooden members on the job but also has applications which far transcend that art.

This and other objects and advantages which will become apparent from the following specification are accomplished by means hereinafter described and claimed.

The present invention employs at least one anchor plate which is preferably prefixed to one of the members to be joined and at least one interlocking bayonet plate which is preferably prefixed to the second of the members to be joined. The bayonet and anchor plates may be lockingly interfitted with considerable facility on the job and yet impart not only the load distribution but also the strength incident to thetraditionally factory applied connector plates so successful in the prior art.

The anchor plate is affixed to the first of the members to be joined by suitable fastening means and presents a series of spaced apertures. That material of the first memher which lies behind the apertures in said anchor plate is at least partially recessed or removedif the member is wooden, or wood-like, the member may simply be indented.

The bayonet plate is aflixed to the second of the members to be joined, also by suitable fastening means, and presents a series of bayonet teeth intermeshingly lockable with the apertures in said anchor plate. Locking is preferably accomplished by having the span of each aperture substantially equal the width of at least that portion of the bayonet tooth lockingly interfitted therein.

Five variations of the preferred embodiment are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail without attempting to show all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied; the invention being measured by the appended claims and not the details of the specification.

Description of the drawings FIG. 1 is an end elevation of a panel member connected to a dimensional supporting member by one form of an interfitting multiple piece connector embodying the concept of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged area of FIG. 1 with the panel and dimensional members separated to represent the poising of the connector plates prior joinder;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2. depicting the connector plates in positioning interengagement;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial area of FIG. 1 depicting the connector plates lockingly intermeshed;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged face view of the anchor plate used in that form of the invention represented in FIGS. 1-4, taken substantially on line 55 of FIG. 2;

'FIG. 6 is an enlarged face view of the bayonet plate used in that form of the invention represented in FIGS. 1-4, taken substantially on line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 88 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a further cross section taken substantially on line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a further cross section taken substantially on line 1010 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an end elevation of a pair of abutting panel members joined to a single supporting member positioned along the abutment by a second form of an interfitting multiple piece connector embodying the concept of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 with the abutted panel members separated from the supporting member to represent the poising of the connector plates prior joinder;

FIG. 13 is a face view of the anchor plate used in that form of the invention represented in FIGS. 11 and 12, taken substantially on line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an end view, partly in section, of a third form of multiple piece connector embodying the concept of the present invention depicted in poised position preparatory to joining two panels along an edge;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 with the third form of multiple piece connector lockingly intermeshed;

FIG. 16 is a face view of the bayonet plate used in that form of the invention represented in FIGS. 14 and 15, taken substantially on line 1616 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a face vieew of the anchor plate used in that form of the invention represented in FIGS. 14 and 15, taken substantially on line 1717 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 18-18 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a cross section through the joinder of two members at an angled corner by a fourth form of the subject connector; and

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 depicting a fifth form of connector embodying the concept of the present invention, this too for use as a corner connection.

Descriptions of several variations of the preferred embodiment One of the most common joinder situations occurring in construction jobs in the aflixing of plywood panels to dimensional lumber. Examples include: the joinder of plywood wall sheathing to the studs; the joinder of plywood subfiooring to floor joists, or trusses; and, the joinder of plywood roof sheathing to rafters, or roof trusses. Aside from using nails and screws, either alone or in combination with glue, no other prior known joinder method is satisfactory.

Moreover, the use of nails or screws alone serves, for the most part, solely as an attaching means but does not fully utilize the beam, or column, potential which would be provided were the plywood panel integrally joined to the dimensional lumber.

It is well known that if the stresses at the joints between wooden members are distributed over a relatively large area the strength of the joints can be greatly increased without causing failure of the wood fibers due to concentrated loads imposed by the connecting means. Distribution of the stresses has been attempted by using glue between the wooden members in conjunction with nails, screws or the like. However, not only is it impractical to apply glue in the field but the life of glue is also uncertain, especially under adverse weather conditions, and building codes in many localities have disapproaved the use of glue in load bearing joints. Moreover, the surface joinder effected by glue does not increase the horizontal, or interply, sheath strength of the plywood.

The improved connector, indicated generally by the numeral 10, when used to join a plywood panel to dimensional lumber, as shown in FIGS. -14, effects a distribution of the stresses between the members joined thereby over a relatively large area. At the same time the connector increases the horizontal shear strength of the plywood by transferring stresses deeply into the panel.

A connector 10 embodying the concept of the present invention employs at least one anchor plate 11 prefixed to one of the members 12 to be joined thereby. The anchor plate 11 is provided with a plurality of apertures 13 spaced longitudinally therealong.

At least one bayonet plate 14 is prefixed to the second of the members to be joined by connector 10, and the bayonet plate 14 is provided with a plurality of bayonet teeth 16 spaced longitudinally therealong so as to be interfittingly received in the apertures 13 of said anchor 4 plate 11. The material of the member 12 behind the apertures 13 is preferably indented, as by punching. However, the nature of the material, for convenience in fabricating may dictate that the material behind the apertures be removed, as by drilling or, if the apertures are aligned, even by kerfing.

Without removing, or otherwise indenting, at least a portion of the material behind apertures 13 insertion of the bayonet teeth 16 through corresponding apertures corresponds to setting the teeth of a standard connector plate into a wooden member. In a factory this could be readily accomplished, but on-the-job the required embedment pressures are too great to be practical.

With the material compressed, indented or removed from behind apertures 13 to form recesses, the bayonet teeth 16 can be lockingly seated within the apertures 13 upon the application of as little as one-tenth the pressure required to seat teeth of the same configuration within the wooden member 12 itself. This greatly reduced pressure can easily be applied with the members in situ at the construction site by a vibratory compactor 18, as represented schematically in FIG. 1. The vibration imparted to both members 12 and 15 being joined in situ by the compactor 18 has been found not to be deleterious to the interlocking of the anchor and bayonet plates 11 and 14 of the improved connector 10 with the material at least partially recessed behind apertures 13. However, if the material is not recessed, the vibration of members 12 and 15 effectively prevents entry of the teeth into the wooden member 12.

In more detail, the member 12 represents a plywood panel to be attached to one or more wooden dimensional members 15. The anchor plate 11 for such use is preferably a strip of 1622 gauge metal from which a plurality of embedment teeth 19 are struck, or punched, preferably in opposed pairs from a single opening 20. The embedment teeth 19 constitute the means by which the anchor plate 11 is prefixed to the plywood panel 12.

One configuration for the embedment teeth 19 which has been found to work quite well is best seen in FIGS. 2-4. Each tooth 19 has a thickness substantially equal to the'thickness of anchor plate 11 because it was struck therefrom, and each tooth has a base portion 21 the side edges 22 and 23 of which are generally parallel and extend substantially perpendicularly outwardly from the body portion 24 of the anchor plate 11. Each tooth 19 also has a tip portion 25 of lesser width than the base portion 21 which is formed integrally outwardly thereof with one edge 22A being preferably a continuation of edge 22 on base portion 21. The opposite edge 26 of the tip portion 25 is preferably parallel to edges 22 and 22A but is spaced more closely thereto than the corresponding edge 23 of the base portion 21. The edges 26 and 23 are joined by an inclined transitional shoulder 28.

The preferred proportions for this type embedment tooth 19 can also best be seen from FIGS. 2-4. The width of the base portion 21 is approximately one-third /3) the length of the tooth 19, and the length, or extent, of the base portion, including the transitional shoulder 28 which is itself approximately one-sixth /6) the length of the tooth 19, measured perpendicularly outwardly from the body portion 24, is approximately one-half /2) the length of the tooth. The width of the tip portion 25 is approximately one-half 0/2) the width of the base portion 21.

A tooth 19 three-eighths /8) of an inch long has been found most adequate for prefixing an anchor plate 11 to three-quarter A) inch plywood 12. Applying the preferred proportions to obtain the dimensions for a typical tooth 19 which is three-eighths of an inch long, the base portion 21 would be approximately one-eighth A3) of an inch wide by three-sixteeths 7 of an inch long, of which the transitional shoulder 28 would extend for approximately one-sixteenth A of an inch. The width of the tip portion would also be approximately one-sixteenth of an inch.

For attaching the plywood panel 12 to two-inch dimensional lumber excellent results are obtained by the use of two rows 28 and 29 of longitudinally aligned openings 20, laterally staggered, as best seen in FIG. 5. The die by which the opposed pair of teeth 19A and 19B were punched from each opening causes the teeth to draw along a cleavage line transversely inclined to the parallel sides of the teeth to sharpen (FIG. 7) and to bevel (FIGS. 2-4) the tip of each tooth. The die not only crimps, or dishes, each tooth so that the outer surface 30 of the base portion 21 tends to be arcuate but also forms each tooth with a rearward arching about its base portion 21 so that the tip portion 25 is inclined away from the opening from which the tooth was struck in the direction of their longtiudinal alignment (FIG. 7).

With these teeth embedded in the plywood panel 12, the anchor plate 11 is securely prefixed thereto.

The plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 13 are aligned in two rows 31 and 32, one row on each side of the two rows 28 and 29 of openings 20. As shown, each aperture 13 may be of circular configuration although other workers in the art may select other configurations after acquiring knowledge of the present concept. In any event it is necessary to the facile on-the-job joinder of anchor and bayonet plates that at least a portion of the wood behind apertures 13 be recessed. As best shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of cavities 27 aligned in two rows 33 and 34 may be punched into the surface of the plywood panel 12 before the anchor plate 11 is fixed thereto. The rows 33 and 34 of cavities 27 lie coincident to the rows 31 and 32 and are of a depth and width commensurate with the particular bayonet tooth employed, as more fully hereinafter described. Equally satisfactorily, particularly with materials other than wood, the cavities may be provided by drilling or kerfing.

Turning now to the two inch dimensional wooden member, represented by the numeral 15, the bayonet plate 14 may be prefixed thereto by embedment teeth 35 which are of exactly the same configuration as the embedment teeth 19 on anchor plate 11.

The bayonet teeth 16 are longitudinally aligned in rows 38 and 39 (FIG. 6) which are laterally spaced a distance equal to the lateral spacing of the aperture rows 31 and 32. This allows for two rows 40 and 41 of embedment teeth 35 to be provided therebetween. Moreover, the same configuration which works so well for the embedment teeth also does superbly well as the bayonet teeth 16. The bayonet teeth are thus also punched in opposed pairs from the same opening 20A with the bridge, or span, 42 between adjacent teeth of successive openings defining the dimension between correspondingly aligned apertures 13.

It has also been found quite satisfactory with circular apertures 13 to have their diameter 43 (FIG. equal the width 44 of the base portion 21 of the bayonet teeth 16. The narrow tip portion 25 facilitates insertion of bayonet tooth 16 into its respective aperture 13, and, so aligned, the bayonet teeth 16 enter without further pressure until the base portion 21 is positioned adjacent the aperture 13 (FIG. 3). Then, even though the diameter of the aperture 13 is equal to the width of the base portion 21 further entry is not possible without the application of an external force. At least one explanation as to the requirement for joinder pressure is the fact that although the diameter of the aperture 13 equals the width of the base portion 21, the diameter is measured in a plane having no thickness. To the contrary, the base portion, or at least the edges 22 and 23 thereof having contact with the boundary wall 45 of the aperture does have some thicknessan amount equal to the thickness of the body 46 of the bayonet plate 14 from which it was struck. Thus the bayonet tooth 16 must be force-fitted into the aperture 13. With teeth of the dimension and configura- "tion shown this joinder force ay be readily applied by a hand operated compactor 18.

From this explanation it should be apparent that the interfitting of the bayonet teeth ad their corresponding apertures may be the sole means of locking the bayonet plate 14 to the anchor plate 11. The kerfs 33 and 34 may, therefore, be of such width and depth as to provide no holding power againt extraction of the bayonet teeth. The interlocking provided solely by this engagement of the teeth and their apertures provides a structural integrity between the plywood panel and the dimensional member to which it is joined such that the neutral axis of the load bearing member is not the neutral axis 48 (FIG. 1) of the dimensional member alone but rather the neutral axis 49 of the T-shaped section formed by the dimensional member 15 and the proximal portion 50 of the plywood panel 12.

Hence, by using a beam and panel combination having this increased load carrying characteristic, as is now feasible with the improved connector 10, far greater overall load carrying characteristics are possible from any given combination of dimensional lumber and plywood sheathing than heretofore deemed possible.

Nor is the use of the connector 10 for increased load carrying characteristics limited to the joinder of plywood to dimensional lumber. Such a connector can also be used integrally to join pieces of dimensional lumber together; trusses can be connected to dimensional lumber or to plywood-all manner of structural connections being possible by varying the number of rows of embedment teeth and/ or bayonet teeth and connecting apertures.

One variation, particularly adaptable as an end, or edge, connector across a supporting member, is shown in FIGS. 1l13. In this construction two panels 60 and 61 are abuttingly engaged and rest across a supporting member 62. A bayonet plate 14 is prefixed to the supporting member 62 with the two rows 38 and 39 of bayonet teeth 16 extending outwardly therefrom.

A modified anchor plate 111 is attached to each panel 60 and 61 in proximity to the abutting edges 63 and 64 respectively. Each anchor plate 111 has one row 65 of embedment teeth 119 and a row 66 of connecting aperture 113 parallel thereto. The row 38 of bayonet teeth 16 interfit with the row 66 of apertures 113 on that anchor plate 111 fixed to panel 60 to connect that panel to the supporting member 62, and the row 39 of bayonet teeth 16 likewise lockingly interfits with the row 66 of apertures 113 on that anchor plate 111 fixed to panel 6 to connect that panel to the supporting member 62.

Another form of abutting connection embodying the present concept is shown in FIGS. 14-18. This connector 210 employs a connector plate 211 with a single row 268 of alternate openings 220 and paired apertures 213. The embedment teeth 219 struck from the openings 220' are preset into the edge 69 of a panel-like member 70. In this form of the connector kerfing parallel to the row of apertures will not suffice inasmuch as that would remove the material into which the embedment teeth must be seated. Hence, here too the material is preferably recessed from behind the apertures 213 by drilling, or punching, the cavities 227.

The bayonet plate 214 also has a single row 271 of openings 220, the teeth punched therefrom extending from alternate sides of the plate 214 from alternate openings. Hence, embedment teeth 219 extend from every other opening 220, and bayonet teeth 16 extend from the alternate openings 220. The embedment teeth are set into the edge 72 of a panel-like member 73. The members 70 and 73 are connected by lockingly inserting the bayonet teeth 216 into the apertures 213.

The fourth embodiment depicts the use of the present concept for joining members at corners. As shown in FIG. 19, the bayonet plate 314 has an angular cross section with two legs. The embedment teeth 335 extend generally perpendicularly from the first leg 374 so as to 7 connect the angular bayonet plate 314 to the member 375.

The bayonet teeth 316 extend generally perpendicularly outwardly of the second leg 376 of the angular plate 314 to engage the apertures 313 through the anchor plate 311 attached to the second member 378, as by embedment teeth 319. The anchor plate 311 may be constructed identically with anchor plate 111 (FIG. 13). Here too, the cavities 327 behind the apertures 313 permit a facile entry of the bayonet teeth 316 to lock the anchor and bayonet plates together and thus join the members 375 and 378.

A variation of the construction used to join members angularly disposed to each other is depicted in FIG. 20. In this configuration both members 480 and 481 are provided with an anchor plate. The anchor plate 411A attached to member 480, and the anchor plate 4118 attached to the member 481 may also be of the variety shown in FIG. 13. In each case, the embedment teeth 419 join the plates 411 to their respective members,

A linking member in the shape of an angled bayonet plate 416 connects the two members toegther by a plurality of bayonet teeth 416A extending outwardly from one leg 483 of plate 416 which lockingly engage the apertures 413 through the anchor plate 411A and a plurality of bayonet teeth 416B extending outwardly from the second leg 484 of plate 416 which lockingly engage the apertures 413 through anchor plate 411B.

The anchor plate 416 may be attached to the hidden structural members 485 and 486 by embedment teeth or other suitable means such as the nails 488' shown. With wooden members the means for connecting the anchor and bayonet plates to the members to be connected are preferably embedment teeth, particularly when they can be applied at the factory. For on the job connections, as exemplified by the fifth embodiment depicted in FIG. 20, nails, or screws, may well be used. However, should the members not be wooden, the means by which the plates are connected to the members to be joined should be varied to suit the materials.

The above description of several forms of connector plates embodying the concept of the present invention has oriented the disclosure of the connector plates in the environment of the construction industry, particularly with respect to the joinder of wooden members for improved structural characteristics. Although the connector does have extensive use in this primary field of endeavor, it should also be now apparent that this concept could as well be adapted to join many other objects in and out of the construction industry. For example, in the construction industry finished ceiling as well as exterior and interior wall panels can readily be affixed to supporting members; trim and cabinetry can be assembled and mounted with ease.

Outside the construction industry even furniture can be fastened together in this way to allow less expensive shipping and subsequent assembly. Even the shipping crates and boxes can be assembled by such connectors. Nor is the application of this connector concept limited to use with wooden members. For example, many plastic materials can be so joined and even heels can be attached to shoes in this fashion.

The present invention thus not only provides a connector which is eminently suitable for joinder for wooden members in situ but also has applications which far transcend that art.

I claim:

1. A connector for joining first and Second members, said connector comprising, at least one anchor plate, means for securing said anchor plate to the first of said members to be joined, said anchor plate having a plurality of spaced apertures, at least one bayonet plate, means for securing said bayonet plate to the second of said members to be joined, a plurality of bayonet teeth having penetrating ends and projecting outwardly from said bayonet plate spaced in conformity with said anchor plate apertures, a portion of said bayonet teeth adjacent their inner ends having a width at least equal to the span of the corresponding aperture in said anchor plate, said portion having a substantial axial extent sufficient to define a force fit between said bayonet teeth and said apertures, whereby interfitting of said bayonet teeth with said apertures normally is the sole means for lockingly joining the anchor plate to said bayonet plate.

2. A connector, as set forth in claim 1, in which that portion of each bayonet tooth lockingly fitting an anchor plate aperture has straight parallel sides.

3. A connector, as set forth in claim 1, in which the means for securing the anchor plate to said first member comprises a plurality of embedment teeth extending outwardly from one side of said anchor plate, and the means for securing said bayonet plate tothe second member comprises a plurality of embedment teeth extending outwardly from one side of said bayonet plate.

4. A connector, as set forth in claim 3, in which that portion of each bayonet tooth lockingly fitting an anchor plate a erture has straight parallel sides.

5. A connector, as set forth in claim 4, in which the bayonet plate presents at least two, laterally spaced rows of bayonet teeth and in which a single anchor plate is provided with a plurality of rows of embedment teeth and at least one row of spaced apertures on each side of every two rows of embedment teeth, said apertures interengageable with the bayonet teeth on said bayonet plate.

6. A connector, as set forth in claim 4, in which a bayonet plate presents at least two, laterally spaced rows of bayonet teeth and in which a plurality of anchor plates are each provided with embedment teeth and at least one row of spaced, connecting apertures, said apertures interengageable with at least one row of bayonet teeth on said bayonet plate.

7. A connector, as set forth in claim 4, in which the bayonet plate presents a plurality of embedment and bayonet teeth substantially aligned in a single row and in which the anchor plate has a single row of embedment teeth and connecting apertures, said apertures spaced in conformity with and interengageable with the bayonet teeth on said bayonet plate.

8. A connector, as set forth in claim 5, in which the embedment teeth on both said anchor and bayonet plates as well as the bayonet teeth on said bayonet plate have the same configuration.

9. A connector, as set forth in claim 8, in which the embedment and bayonet teeth each have a base portion with straight parallel sides and a tip portion, the tip portion having a width substantially less than the width of said base portion.

10. A connector, as set forth in claim 9, in which the apertures are of circular configuration, the diameter of which substantially equals the width of the base portion of said bayonet teeth.

11. A connection between at least two members comprising, an anchor plate fixed to one of said members, said anchor plate having a body portion adjacent said member, a plurality of spaced apertures through said body portion, said member recessed behind said apertures, a bay onet plate fixed to another of the members to be joined, a plurality of bayonet teeth spaced in conformity with the spacing of said apertures having penetrating ends and extending outwardly from said bayonet plate, a portion of said bayonet teeth adjacent their inner ends having a width at least equal to the span of the corresponding aperture in said anchor plate, said portion having a substantial axial extent sufficient to define a force fit between said bayonet teeth and said apertures, whereby interfitting of said bayonet teeth with said apertures may be the sole means for lockingly joining the anchor plate to said bayonet plate.

12. A connection, as set forth in claim 11, in which each bayonet tooth has a base portion with straight parallel sides and a tip portion, the tip portion having a width substantially less than the width of said base portion and in which the apertures are of annular configuration, the diameter of each said aperture being substantially equal to the width of the base portion of that bayonet tooth received therein.

13. A connection, as set forth in claim 12, in which an anchor plate is affixed to a first member, a similar anchor plate is affixed to a second member, the anchor plates affixed to said first and second members each having at least one row of apertures, a bayonet plate having at least two rows of bayonet teeth affixed to a third member, one row of said bayonet teeth lockingly interfitted with the apertures in the anchor plate aflixed to said first member and the second row of said bayonet teeth lockingly interfitted with the apertures in the anchor plate aflixed to said second member.

14. A connection between angularly joined members comprising, an anchor plate, means for securing said anchor plate to the first of the members to be joined, said anchor plate having a plurality of spaced apertures, at least one bayonet plate, said bayonet plate having angularly extending legs, means for securing one leg of said bayonet plate to the second of the members to be joined, a plurality of bayonet teeth having penetrating ends and extending outwardly of the second leg of said bayonet plate, said bayonet teeth being spaced in conformity with said apertures through the anchor plate, a portion of said bayonet teeth adjacent their inner ends having a Width at least equal to the span of the corresponding aperture in said anchor plate, said portion having a substantial axial extent sufiicient to define a force fit between said bayonet teeth and said apertures, whereby interfitting of said bayonet teeth with said apertures normally is the sole means for lockingly joining the anchor plate to said bayonet plate.

15. A connection, as set forth in claim 14, in which the means for securing said bayonet plate to said second member to be joined comprises a second anchor plate,

* means for securing said second anchor plate to the second of said members to be joined, a plurality of spaced apertures through said second anchor plate, and a plurality of bayonet teeth extending outwardly of the other leg of said bayonet plate, said second plurality of bayonet teeth spaced in conformity with and force fitting the spaced apertures through said second anchor plate, whereby interfitting of said second plurality of bayonet teeth with the spaced apertures through said second anchor plate normally is the sole means for lockingly joining said second anchor plate to said bayonet plate.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,454,292 July 8, 1969 Arthur Carol Sanford It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, line 17, "vieew" should read View line 32, "in", second occurrence, should read is line 55, "disapproaved" should read disapproved line 58, "sheath" should read shear Column 4, line 3, "for" should read or .Column 6, line 4, "ad" should read and lines 42 and 43, "aperture" should read apertures line 44, "interfit" should read interfits Column 7, line 22, "toegther" should read together line 64, "for", second occurrence, should read of Signed and sealed this 1st day of September 1970.

(SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

